Web feed means



WEB FEDMEANS y Filed Jan. 3l, 1933 7 Sheets-Sheet l IHM-ff '/AV VENTOR a? Hf/m@ a C. LITTLEFIELD WEB FEED MEANS July l0, 1934.

7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 31. 1953 July 10, 1934. c. LIVTTLEFIELD 1,965,659

WEB FEED MEANS Filed Jan. 31, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR July 10, 1934.

c. LITTLEFIELD WEB FEED MEANS Filed Jan. 3l, 1933 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 c. LITTLEFIELD WEB FEED MEANS Filed Jan. 3l, 1933 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 i ff/ TTORNEYS July lo,

WWA

July l0, 1934.

C. LITTLEFIELD WEB FEED MEANS Filed Jan. 5l. 1933 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 M Nfl/W55? C. LITTLEFIELD WEB FEED MEANS July l0, 1934.

Filed Jan. 3l, 1933 '7 Sheets-Sheet '7 if A TTORNE VS Patented July 10, 1934 WEB FEED MEANS Carl Littlefield, Battle Creek, Mich., assignor to Battle Creek Bread Wrapping Machine Company, Battle Creek, Mich.

Application January 31,

30 Claims.

In the accompanying drawings I have illustrated my web feeding and synchronizing apparatus as adapted to and embodied in a carton wrapping machine. My improvements are, however, de-

sirable for and readily embodied in or adapted to machines for feeding webs of paper to be cut into sheets or for other purposes where it is desired to obtain substantial accuracy in results.

The main objects of this invention are:

First, to provide an apparatus' for cutting a web into sheets which is entirely automatic in operation and of large capacity or capable of operation at relatively high speeds.

Second, to provide an apparatus for cutting a web such as a web of paper having a series of designs thereon into sheets of uniform dimensions suitable for the wrapping of cartons, and delivering them in synchronized or timed relation to the wrapping mechanism.

Third, to provide a machine having these advantages which is very compact and simple in structure, and may be readily applied to-Web feeding mechanisms for various types of machines.

Objects pertaining to details and economies of my invention will denitely appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompany ing drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of a wrapping machine equipped with or having my improved web feeding and cutting mechanism em bodied therewith, portions only of the wrapping mechanism being shown.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary elevation looking from the right of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing details of the web feed control mechanism taken on a line corresponding to line 3 3 of Figs. 2 and 4.

Fig. 4 is' an enlarged fragmentary view partially in section on line 4 4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is v,an enlarged detail partially in section on line 5 5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail fragmentary view of parts shown in Fig. 3 with the clutch disengaged.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary View showing v details of the control cam adjustment.

`Fig. 8 is a detail section on line 8 8 of Fig. 2 showing the relation of the feed rolls vand the cutter.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail section on line 9 9 of Fig. 2 showing the relation of the light sensitive control element to the web of paper.

Fig. l0 is an enlarged detail section on line 10-10 of Fig. 2 showing further details of these parts.

1933, serial No. 654,481

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical connections or wiring.

As stated, the structure illustrated discloses an adaptation of my improvements to a carton wrapping machine. which is generally designated by the numeral 1. The details of this machine -are not fully illustrated or described, the embodiment in or adaptation to a Wrapping machine as illustrated being a commercial form of my improvements.

In the wrapping of cartons with wrappers having printed matter thereon it is essential to attractive appearance that the designs on the individual wrappers be accurately positioned o n the wrapping sheets; otherwise, the designs, by which I contemplate printed matter, will not be in proper position on the package.

In the accompanying drawings 2 represents the web of paper having a series of designs 3 uniformly/spaced thereon. The web of paper also bears a longitudinal uniformly spaced series of spots 4 adapted to infiuence a light sensitive element such as a photofelectric cell. These actuators 4 may be either in the form of printed spots, holes in the paper, or other means suitable forthe purpose as will appear.

The actuators 4 are uniformly positioned relative to the designs 3. These spots are successively brought into range of the photo-electric cell 5 which is disposed in opposed relation to the opening 6 in the plate-like table 7 across which the web is drawn from the supply roll 8. The lamp 9 is arranged within a suitable housing 10 on the under side of the table '1 thereby rendering the action of the photo-electric cell more eicient and effectively illuminating the web through the opening 6.

The web of paper passes over suitably positioned guide rollers 11 and 12 and the tension roller 13 which isheld under tension by `means of the spring 14, the roller 13 being carried by arms 15. The rollers 12 are disposed on opposite sides of the table '7. This table 7 is supported by a bracket 16 adjustably mounted on the cross piece 17 so that the opening 6 in the table may be properly positioned relative to the actuator spots, thus making the machine adaptable to webs of varying widths. A further fine adjustment is e!- fected through the screw- 1 8 threaded into the support for the table and provided with a knul-led nger piece as shown in Figs. 2 and 9.

From this control unit described the web passes to the feed rolls 19 and 20 and is delivered by these feed rolls to the cutter mechanism consisting of the rotating cutter member 21 having a blade 22 and coacting rotary shear member 23, see the detail in Fig. 8. A supporting plate 24 is disposed between the feed rolls and the cutter in the embodiment illustrated, this being in the horizontal plane ofthe biteof the feed rolls.

From the cutter the severed sheets are delivered by suitable conveyor means designated generally by the numeral 25, see Fig. 1, to the wrapping mechanism. To. properly deliver the web to the by an adjustable bracket 281 having a segmental slot 30 therein engaged by the clamp device 31 for securing the bracket in its adjusted positions and permitting the changing of the gear 28, thereby adapting the mechanismfor the feeding of webs to be cut into sheets longer or shorter than would be accommodated by the automatic control mechanism.

Referring to Fig. 4 it will be noted that the gear 29 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 32fofA the feed roll 19, see Figs. 4 and 5. 'Ihe gear 29 has a beveled gear 33 pinned thereto and this gear 33 coacts with a set of diierential gears 34 carried on the radial spindles of the spider 35 secured to the shaft 32 by the pin 36. 'I'he differential gears 34 are controlled by the beveled gear 37 meshing therewith and rotatably mounted on the shaft and pinned to the worm gear 38 for rotation therewith or adapted to be controlled thereby so that the speed of the shaft 32 is determined by the relative rotation of the gears 33 and 37.y

The worm gear 38 coacts with a worm 39 on the shaft 40, this shaft 40 having a'gear 41 rotatable thereon and `provided with a clutch member 42 coacting with the clutch member 43 pinned to the shaft, see Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6. The gear 41 is driven from the gear 44 on the shaft 45 which has a beveled gear 46-thereon meshing with the gear 47 also pinned to the gear 29, see Figs. ,4 and 5,

. so that when the clutch members 42 and 43 are engaged the gear 37 is driven through the connections described from the gear 29, which as stated is securedto the gear 33. The control clutch for this driving connection to the gear 37 is normally held in disengaged position las shown in Fig. 6, the clutch lever 48 being pivoted at 49 and having an arm 50 engaged by the detent or dog 51 pivoted at 52 and pivotally connected to the armature 53 of the solenoid 54. The coiled spring 55 is connected to the arm 50 and acts to urge the clutch to engaging position when the clutch lever is released. The clutch is disengaged by the cam 56 mounted on the shaft 57 having a gear 58 thereon meshing with a gear 59 on the shaft 26- sothat the shaft 57 is continuously driven with or through the shaft 26. As stated, the cam 56 is adapted to disengage the control clutch and is rotatably mounted upon the shaft 57 for adjustment thereon, thereby timing the release of the clutch relative to the rotation of the shaft 40 and controlling the period or lengthof time the gear 37 is driven. and consequently controlling the'variation of the drive to the feed roller shaft 32.

To conveniently adjust the cam it has a gear 60 secured thereto meshing with a worm 61 mounted on the cam and having a finger piece 62. The shaftr has a scale or indicia disk 63 secured to the end thereof, the cam having. a pointer 64 cooperating with this indicia disk so that the operator can determine the amount and direction of adjustment of the cam. When the cam engages the clutch lever it throws the detent arm 50 thereof back to position to be engaged by the detentor dog 51 controlled bythe solenoid. This solenoid is conventionally shown in Fig. 2 in its relation to the amplifier unit 65 which is in turn suitably connected to the photo-electric cell 5. The details of the amplifier are not illustrated or described. The electrical connections are conventionally illustrated in Fig. '11.

With the parts thus arranged the passage of each actuator across the opening 6 in the table 7 or bringing it into proper focus with the photoelectric cell will cause an actuation of the electromagnet.

'Ihe shaft 320i the feed roll 19 is connected to the shaft 67 of the feed roll 20 by the coacting gears 68 and 69. The shear roll 23 is mounted on the driving shaft 26 and this is connected to the cutter shaft by means of meshing gears 70 and 71.

When an actuator or spot passes the photoelectric cell the solenoid is actuated to permit the clutch to engage. 'I'he time this occurs relative to the position of the cam 56 determines the length of time the clutch remains in engagement and consequentlythe amount of adjustment or variation in speed resulting through the rotation of the gear 37. This adjusting action continues until there is a uniform or timed actuation of the armature and the clutch.

In the event that there is irregularity in spacing of the actuators or we'b feeding and cutting should get out of proper synchronism, the mechanism automatically compensatesl or readjusts. Through the adjusting means for the cam the machine may be adapted for considerable variation in'length of sheets, and in the event of variation in sheets beyond this capacity the machine can be readily adjusted or adapted to accommodate such variation through changing the gears as described.

Briefly, in operation, the web is fed at a speed normally in 'excess of that required to deliver a predetermined length of sheet. However, the speed of the web is checked or retarded so that the web is severed in predetermined relation to the mark or spot on the sheet. The motion of the web is continuous, but its speed is retarded sufliciently to secure severance at the predetermined point. This is effected by the differential driving gears, the-solenoid and the driven adjustable cam. 4In normal feeding, the gear 33 rotates and the gear 37=is stationary, causing the differential gears 34 to rotate the spider 35 and the feed roll shaft 32. When a spot or mark on the web actuates the photo-electric cell, the sole- 'noid 54 is energizedr and releases the arm 50,

allowing the spring 55 to close the clutch members 42 and 43. This results in the turning of the gear 38 to retard the speed of the feed roll shaft 32 until the clutch members are opened by the cam 56 engaging the arm 50 and relatching the latter by the dog 51. The adjustment of the cam controls the amount of differential motion.l The machine may be adjusted for sheets of different length within its scope by manipulation of the cam.

I have illustrated and described my improvements in an embodiment which I have found highly successful commercially. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe certain embodiments or adaptations which might be desirable for other types of machines as it is believed that this` disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my improvements as may.

be desired.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patz. is'

l. An apparatus for cutting into sheets aA web having a longitudinal series of spaced electric element actuatorscomprising a constantly driven driven gear secured to one of said differential gears and operatively associated with said cutter, a worm gear secured to the other of said, differential gears, driving connections for said driven mission gear, a shaft provided with a worm coacting with said worm gear and with a sliding transmission gear in constant mesh with said transmission gear on said countershaft, a clutch connection for said sliding gear to its shaft, a spring acting to engage said clutch, a clutch releasing lever, a solenoid controlled detent for holding said clutch releasing lever in clutch disengaging position, an electrical control element 'operatively associated with the actuators of said web fed by said feed means and with said solenoid, a conti'nuously driven cam shaft having a cam thereon coacting with said clutch releasing lever for releasing the clutch on each revolution of the cam, and means for adjusting said cam on its shaft.

2. An apparatus for cutting into sheets a web having a longitudinal series of spaced electric element actuators comprising a constantly driven cutter, feed means delivering to said cutter, driving means for said feed means including a shaft, a pair of differential gears rotatably mounted on said shaft, a planet gear support secured to said secured to said driving gear and with a transmission gear, a shaft provided witha worm coacting with saidworm gear and with a sliding transmission gear in constant .mesh with said transmission gear on said countershaft, a clutch connection for said sliding gear to its shaft, a spring acting to engage said clutch, a clutch releasing lever, a solenoid controlled detent forl holding said clutch releasing lever in clutch disengaging position, an electrical control element operative- -ly associated with the actuators of said web fed by said feed means and with. said solenoid, and a cam coacting with said clutch releasing lever for releasing the the cam.

3. An apparatus for cutting into sheetsa web having a longitudinal series of spaced electric element actuators comprising a constantlydriven cutter. feed means delivering to said cutter, driving means for said feed means including a shaft, a pair of differential gears rotatably iounted clutch on each revolution, of

on said shaft, a coacting planet gear unit secured to said shaft, driving-means for one of said differential gears and said cutter, driving connections from said driving differential gear to the other dierential gear including a clutch, a spring acting to engage saidv clutch, a'clutch releasing lever, a solenoid controlled detent for holding said clutch releasing lever in clutch disengaging position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the actuators of said web fed by said feed means and with said solenoid, a continuously driven cam shaft having a cam thereoncoacting with said clutch releasing lever for releasing the clutch on each revolution of the cam, and means for adjusting said cam on its shaft, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

4. An .apparatus for cutting into sheets a web having a longitudinal series of spaced electric element actuators comprising a constantly driven cutter, feed means delivering to said cutter, driving means for said feed means including a shaft, a pair of differential gears rotatably mounted on said shaft, a coasting planet gear unit secured to said shaft, driving means for one of said differential, gears and said cutter, driving connections from said driven differential gear to the other differential gear including a clutch, a spring acting to engage said clutch, a clutch releasing lever, a solenoid controlled detent for holding said clutch releasing lever in clutch disengagingposition, an electrical control element operatively associated with the actuators of said web fed by said feed means and with said solenoid. and a cam coacting with said clutch lreleasing lever for releasing the clutch on each revolution of the cam, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by-varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

, 5. 'I'he combination with a constantly driven cutter, of feed means for a web having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators operatively associated with said cutter,l driving means for said feed means including a shaft, differential gears rotatably mounted on said shaft, a planet gear support secured to said shaft and having a planet gear thereon coacting with isaid differential gears, one of said differential gears being continuously driven and gearedto said cutter, a driving connection from said continuously driven di'erential gear to the other differential gear including a clutch, a spring acting to engage said clutch, a clutch'releasing lever, a solenoid controlled detent for holding said clutch releasing lever in clutch disengaging position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the web fed by saidv feed means and with said solenoid, a cam shaft having a cam thereon coacting with said clutch releasing lever for releasing the clutch on each revolution of the cam and moving the lever into position to be engaged by said detent, and means for adjusting said cam on its shaft, whereby the controly of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.-

6. The combination with a constantly driven cutter, of feed means for a web having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators operatively associated with said cutter, driving means for said feed means including a shaft, differential gears rotatably mounted on said shaft, a planet gear support secured to said shaft and having a planet gear thereon coacting with said differential gears, one of said differential gears being continuously driven by said cutter, a driving connection from said continuously driven differential gear to the other differential gear including a clutch, a spring acting to engage said clutch, a clutch releasing lever, a solenoid controlled detent for holding said clutch releasing lever in clutch disengagng position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the web fed by said -feed means and with 'said solenoid, and a cam coacting with said clutch releasing lever for releasing the clutch on each revolution of the cam and moving the lever into position to be engaged by said detent, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

7. The combination with a constantly driven cutter, of feed means for a web having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators operatively associated withsaid cutter, driving means for said feed meansincluding a shaft, differential gears rotatably mounted on said shaft, a planet gear support secured to'said vshaft and having a planet gear thereon coacting with said `differential gears, one of said differential gears being continuously driven by said cutter, a driving connection for the other diierential gear including a clutch, a spring acting to engage said clutch, a clutch releasing lever, a solefeed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

'8.` The combination with a constantly driven cutter, of feed means for a web having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators operatively associated with said cutter, driving means for said feed means including a shaft, differential gears rotatably mounted on said shaft, a planet gear support secured to said shaft and having a planet gear thereon coacting with said differential gears, one of said differential gears being continuously driven by said cutter, a driving connection for the other differential gear including a clutch, a spring acting to engage said clutch, a clutch releasing lever,` a solenoid controlled detent for holding said clutch releasing lever in clutch disengaging position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the web fed by said feed means and with said solenoid, and a cam coacting with said clutch releasing lever for releasing the clutch on each revolution of the cam and moving the lever into position to be engaged by said detent, whereby the control of vthe web feed is maintained by varying the length ofthe individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

9. An apparatus for cutting into sheets a web having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators comprising a cutter, means for driving said cutter, feed means delivering to said cutter,

a variable speed driving means for said feed means including a clutch connected to said cutter driving means, a spring acting to engage said clutch, a clutch releasing lever, a solenoid controlled detent for holding said clutch releasing lever in clutch disengaging position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the actuators of said web fed by said feed means and with said solenoid, a continuously driven cam shaft having a cam thereoncoacting with said clutch releasing lever for releasing the clutch on each revolution of the cam, and means for adjusting said cam on its shaft, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

10. An apparatus for cutting into sheets a web having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators, comprising a cutter, means for driving said cutter, feed means delivering to said cutter, a variable speed driving means for said feed means, including a clutch connected to said cutter driving means, a spring acting to engage said clutch, a clutch releasing lever, a solenoid controlled detent for holding said clutch releasing lever in clutch disengaging position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the 'actuators of said web fed by said feed means and with said solenoid, and a cam coacting with said clutch releasing lever for releasing the clutch on each revolution of the cam, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet. Y

1l. The combination in a wrapping machine of a cutter, feed means for feeding a web of paper having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators bearing a predetermined relation to the points of severance comprising driving means for said feed means, a control means for said driving means including a clutch, a cam for disengaging said clutch, a detent for holding said clutch in disengaged position, a solenoid for releasing said detent, an electrical control element 12g) operatively associated with the web and with the said solenoid, and means for adjusting the timing of said cam, whereby the control of the web feed @maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed rela- 115 tionship as required for each sheet.

12. The combination in a wrapping machine of a cutter, feed means for feeding a web of paper having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators bearing a predeterminedrelation to the points of severance comprising driving means for said feed means, a control means for said driving means including a clutch, an adjustable cam for disengaging said clutch, a' detent for holding said clutch in disengaged position, a solenoid for releasing said detent, and an electrical control element operatively associated with the web and with the said solenoid, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

13. The combination in a wrapping machine of a cutter. feed means for feeding a web of paper having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators bearing a predetermined relation to the points of severance comprising driving means for said feed means, a control means for said driving means, including a clutch, a cam for disengaging said clutch, an electrically controlled detent for holding said clutch in disengaged position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the web and with said detent control element, and means for adjusting the timing of said cam, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as requred for each sheet.

14. The combination in a wrapping machine of a cutter, feed means for feeding a web of paper having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators bearing a predetermined relation to the points of severance comprising driving means for said feed means, a control means for said driving means, including a clutch, an adjustable cam for disengaging said clutch, an electrically controlled detent for holding said clutch in disengaged position, and an electrical control element operatively associated with the web and with said detent control element, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of, the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

15. The combination in a wrapping machine, of a cutter, means for driving said cutter, feed rollers for feeding a web of paper having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators bearing a predetermined relation to the points of severance comprising paper feed driving means connected to said cutter driving means and including a differential gearing, the planet gear element being connected to one roller, one of the differential gears being continuously driven, a driving means for the other differential gear including a clutch,

spring means acting to close said clutch, a cam for disengaging said clutch, an electrically controlled detent for holding said clutch in disengaged position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the web and with said detent control element, and means for adjusting the timing of said cam, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

16. The combination in a wrapping machine, of a cutter, means for driving said cutter, feed rollers for feeding a web of paper having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators bearing a predetermined relation to the points of severance comprising paper feed driving means connected to said cutter driving means and including a differential gearing, the planet gear element being connected to one roller, one of the differential gears being continuously driven, a driving means for the other diiferential gear including a clutch, spring means acting to close said clutch, an adjustable cam for disengaging said clutch, an electrically controlled detent for holding said clutch in disengaged position, and an electrical control element operatively associated with the web and with said detent control element, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for eachsheet.

17. 'I'he combination of a cutter, means for driving said cutter, feed means for feeding a web having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators bearing a predetermined relation cludingaclutch,acamfor disengaging said clutch,

spring means acting to close said clutch, an electrically controlled detent for holding said clutch in disengaged position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the web and with said detent control element, and means for timing said cam, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

18. The combination of a cutter, means for driving said cutter, feed means for feeding a web having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators bearing a predetermined relation to the points of severance comprising feed driving means including a differential gearing, one of the differential gears being continuously driven by said cutter driving means, a driving means for the other dilerential gear including a clutch, spring means acting to close said clutch, a cam for disengaging said clutch, an electrically controlled detent for holding said clutch in disengaged position, and an electrical control element operatively associated with the Web and with said detent control element, whereby the control' of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

19. The combination of a cutter, means for driving said cutter, feed rollers for feeding a web having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators bearing a predetermined relation to the points of severance comprising feed driving means including a differential gearing, the planet gear element being connected to one roller, one of the differential gears being continuously driven by said cutter driving means, a driving means for the other differential gear including a clutch, spring means acting to close said clutch, driven meansfor disengaging said clutch, an electrically controlled means for holding said clutch in disengaged position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the web and with said clutch holding means, and means for adjusting the timing of said clutch disengaging means, `whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

20. The combination of a cutter, means for driving said cutter, feedineans for feeding a web having a longitudinal 'series of electric element actuators bearing a predetermined relation to the points of severance comprising feed driving means including a differential gearing, one of the differential gears being continuously driven connected to said cutter driving means and, a driving means for the other differential gear including a clutch, spring means acting to close said clutch, driven means for disengaging said clutch, an electrically controlled means for holding said clutch in disengaged position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the web and with said clutch holding means, and means for adjusting the timing of said clutch disengaging means, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

21. The combination of a cutter, means for driving said cutter,- f eed rollers for feeding a web having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators bearing a predetermined relation to the points of severance comprising feed driving means including a differential gearing, the planet gear element being connected to one roller, one of the differential gears being continuously driven by, said cutter driving means, a driving means for the other differential gear including a clutch, spring means acting to close said clutch, driven adjustable means for disengaging said'clutch, an electrically controlled means for holding said clutch in disengaged position, and an electrical control element operatively associated with the web and with said clutch holding means. whereby the control of thel web feed is maintained by varying the lengthv of th individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet. I

22. The combination of a cutter, means for driving said cutter, feed means for feeding a web having a longitudinal series of electric element actuators bearing a predetermined relation to the points of severance comprising feed driving means connected to said cutter driving means and including a differential gearing, one of the differential gears being continuously driven, a driving means for the other dierential gear including a clutch, driven means for `disengagingl said clutch, spring means acting to close said clutch, an electrically controlled means forv hold-- ing said clutch in disengaged position, and an electrical control element operatively associated with the web and with said clutch holding means,v whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed relationship as required for each sheet.

23. An apparatus for cutting into sheets aweb having a longitudinal 'series of spaced electric element actuators comprising a constantly driven cutter, feed means delivering to said outter, a variable speed drivingmeans for said feed means and driven by said cutter, a control means for said driving means, including a clutch, spring means acting to close said clutch, a solenoid controlled. detent for holding said clutch in disengaged position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the actuators of said web fed by said feed means and with said solenoid, a continuously driven cam shaft having a cam thereon for releasing said clutch on each revolution of the cam, and means for adjusting the timing of said cam, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormalspeed relationship as required for each sheet.

24. An apparatus for cutting into sheets a web having a longitudinal series ofv spaced electric element actuators comprising a constantly driven cutter, feed means delivering to said cuttera variable speed driving means for said feed means' and driven by said cutter, a control means for said driving means including a clutch, spring means acting to close said clutch, a solenoid controlled detent for holding said clutch in disengaged position, an electrical control element operatively associated with the actuators of said web fed by said feed means and with said solenoid, 'and an adjustable cam for releasing said clutch on each revolution of the cam, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the' individual periods of abnormal speed relationship ,as required for each sheet.

25. 'I'he Acombination with a constantly driven cutter, of feed means for feeding a web'havingv a longitudinal series of electric element actuators bearing a predetermined relationto the points of severance comprising a variable speed driving means for said feed means, means for varyingy saidvariable speed driving means including' an automatically engaging clutch, constantly driven means for releasing said clutch periodically,

means for holding said clutch in released position, means for releasingsaid clutch holding means, an electric control element operatively i associated with the web and with said clutch releasing means, and adjustable means for timing the release of said clutch so that the period of severance comprising a variable speed driving' means for said feed means, means for varying said variable speed driving means including an automatically engaging clutch, constantly driven means forreleasingl said clutch periodically,

means for holding said clutch in released position, means for releasing said clutch holding means, and an electric control element operatively associated with the web and with said clutch releasing means so that the period varies for each sheet and the'adjustment for each sheet is in direct ratio to the error on that sheet.

27. The combination with a cutter, means for constantly. driving said cutter, of a feed meansv forfeeding a web to said cutter, al variable speed driving means forsaid feedmeans including an automatically engaging clutch driven by said cutter driving means, an electrically controlled means for holding said clutch in disengaged position and a timed means for releasing said clutch, said last named means being driven by said cutter driving means and a control means `for said clutch holding element operatively associated with said web, whereby the control of the web feed is maintained by varying the length of the individual periods of abnormal speed-relationship as required for each sheet. 1

28. The combination with a cutter, means for constantly driving said cutter, of a feed means for feeding a web to said cutter, a variable speed driving means for said feed means including Aan automatically engaging clutch driven by said cutter Adriving means,.an electrically controlled means for holding said clutch -in disengaged position and meansv for periodically disengaging said clutch, said last named means being driven by 'said cutter driving means and an electrical control means foi said clutch holding element operatively associated with said web so that the period 'varies for each sheet and the adjustment for each sheet is in direct ratio to the error on that sheet.

29. In an 4apparatus for cutting into sheets a web having a longitudinal series of spaced electric `element actuators, the combination of a cutter, means for feeding the web to said cutter, a variable speed driving means for said paper feed means, a speed varying means. including'a driven element, means for periodically stopping said element, means for adjusting the phase of' said last named means, and means activated by said electric element actuators for starting said .element so that thel period of operation of said element varies for each sheet and the adjustment for each sheet is in direct ratio to the error on that sheet.

.30. In apparatus for controlling the running of a continuously moving web, the combination of means for feeding the web at a speed normally in excess of that required, and means for retard-J ingsaidfeedingmeansinresponsetospaced indicia on the web. including a differential gear for periodically opening said clutch after each closure so that the period of retardation of the speed of the web varies for each sheet and the adjustment for each sheet is in direct ratio to the error on that sheet.

` CARL LI'I'I'LEFIELD. 

